Thumbs up to USPS for bold move

February 07, 2013 - 2:00 AM

Thumbs up to the U.S. Postal Service for doing what should have been done long ago: making the tough decision to cut Saturday mail delivery in order to save $2 billion annually. For too long, the USPS has grappled with the financial burden of overpaying into federal pension funds — a burden Congress has declined to lessen — and a lack of action on the part of federal lawmakers. While most agree a move toward privatization would be best, producing a more economically viable and nimble organization, Wednesday's announcement is certainly a step in the right direction. Here's hoping federal lawmakers follow suit with some decisive moves of their own in helping to move the USPS toward a more stable economic future.

Thumbs up to the members of the state Transportation Committee for recognizing the role the late Mat Lanigan played in the Kennebunks and for unanimously approving a bill to name the bridge between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport in his honor. While the bill still needs a two-thirds approval in both the House and Senate, we're hoping the heartfelt testimony shared by friends Wednesday has paved the way for the proposal to become a reality.

Thumbs down to the homeowner's association members and developer of Beach Dreams in Wells for apparently thinking that town ordinances don't apply to them and balking at having to comply with them. While the town had proposed a consent agreement to clear up the issues, including those of landscaping and drainage, that allegedly exist there, town leaders said the folks at Beach Dreams don't agree with all the points on it. Future discussions are planned, and here's hoping the town sticks to its guns on holding the Beach Dreams owners accountable — and to the same standards other development are expected to meet.

Thumbs up to the former owners of the Drakes Island Motel for preserving a piece of history by saving the motel's iconic roof-top duck from extinction. Perched atop the building since 1958, the duck was a landmark for generations of Wells visitors and residents alike, many of whom will be happy to hear that he will be spending his retirement in a location desirable to all ducks: a lake.